The only reason Duncan has slowly retreated on my list is mileage. He still is one of the top three leaders in basketball. If I had the opportunity to have my son spend a weekend with a player, Duncan would top the list along with Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. Duncan just knows how to win and will do anything to get the result. I hear he is in tremendous shape and, if true, watch out for the Spurs.

The reports of a slimmer, sleeker Duncan are getting out across the blogosphere. Johnson knows how important Duncan is to the Spurs. And if he is healthy this season, the Spurs might have a better-than-expected chance to contend for their fifth NBA title.

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were among five players who were ranked just outside the 25.